California School Bans Tamagotchi Virtual Pets

OTHER NEWS TO NOTE - WEST

September 3, 1997

ALAMEDA, CALIF., — A California elementary school has banned Tamagotchi virtual electronic pets because they were distracting students, a school official said Tuesday. Beginning this week, Bay Farm School's approximately 470 students are being asked to leave their oft-beeping virtual pets at home, said Roxanne Clement, a school spokeswoman. Tamagotchi - ''lovable egg'' in Japanese - are hand-held toys that beep when they need attention.